Lisbon in 1 Day for Couples - Walk the historic streets of Sintra's old town
In Collaboration with Outing Portugal. Updated on January 29, 2026.
A private, guided 8-hour day trip from Lisbon visiting Sintra's fairytale Pena Palace, the ancient Castelo dos Mouros and the cliff-side village of Azenhas do Mar. Includes hotel pickup in Lisbon, guided walks, a pastry stop, and a seaside romantic moment. Tickets to monuments can be pre-booked through the guide.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Outing Portugal, inspired by the tour Azenhas do Mar, Pena Palace and Moorish Castle.. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Walk the historic streets of Sintra's old town
- Explore Castelo dos Mouros with panoramic mountain views
- Visit the colourful Palácio Nacional da Pena and its gardens
- Cliffside stroll and romantic moment at Azenhas do Mar
- Private transportation and personalised guiding
Itinerary
Day 1
Private pickup in Lisbon and full-day guided discovery of Sintra's highlights with a romantic seaside finale at Azenhas do Mar.
Pickup — Central Lisbon (Rossio) / Meet your private guide
Private chauffeur and guide will meet you at Rossio (Praça Dom Pedro IV). Please confirm your exact pickup address—driver will arrive 15–30 minutes early to combine locations if needed.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm exact pickup address the day before; driver may arrive 15–30 minutes early to combine nearby pickups.
- Sit on the right side of the vehicle when leaving Lisbon for best early views of the coast en route to Sintra.
- Light layers are good—your guide will have bottled water and a small first-aid/umbrella kit if spring showers appear.
Transfer to Sintra (scenic drive)
Relax in the air-conditioned vehicle with onboard Wi‑Fi while your guide drives the scenic route to Sintra (travel time included in tour duration).
Tips from local experts:
- Bring your camera: brief scenic photo stops can be made en route if time allows.
- Use the transfer time to ask the guide about personalised photo spots for the day.
- If you get motion-sick on winding roads, sit in the front seat and open a window slightly; your guide can adjust pace.
Historic centre stroll — Centro Histórico de Sintra
Leisurely walk through Sintra’s UNESCO-listed historic centre: pastel-coloured facades, monarchical architecture and intimate lanes perfect for photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Wander away from the main Rua das Padarias for quieter, more romantic corners and small artisan shops.
- Cobblestones are uneven—wear comfortable shoes (romantic photos look great seated on steps or under arches).
- If you want a keepsake, ask your guide to point out local boutiques with handmade azulejos (tiles) and delicate jewellery.
Coffee & travesseiro (pastry) at Casa Piriquita
Taste Sintra’s famous travesseiros (pillow pastries) and a coffee — a classic, cozy stop to share a sweet moment.
Tips from local experts:
- Order a travesseiro to share — it's flaky and best eaten warm; couple-style tasting is very romantic.
- Casa Piriquita can be busy; if it’s crowded ask your guide to suggest a nearby quiet terrace seating.
- They accept cards, but small purchases sometimes go faster with local currency—keep a few euros for quick snacks.
Transfer up the hill to Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle)
Short drive up the Sintra hills to the ruins of the Moorish Castle. The guide will drop you near the entrance and share historical context before your walk on the walls.
Tips from local experts:
- The road up is narrow—sit on the left for the best approach views of the castle ramparts.
- Carry a light jacket—higher elevation is breezier than the town below, even in May.
- If mobility is a concern, tell your guide—there are spots to shorten the walk and still enjoy panoramic vistas.
Visit Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle) — panoramic ramparts
Explore the 10th-century fortification and walk sections of the ancient walls for breathtaking views over Sintra and the Atlantic.
Tips from local experts:
- Climb to the main viewpoints together for sweeping photos — the castle’s long walls make great framing for couples’ shots.
- There are uneven steps and stretches without railings; good walking shoes and caution are recommended.
- Purchase or pre-book entrance tickets in advance if you prefer a quicker entry; the guide can arrange tickets at exclusive prices.
Short transfer/walk from the Moorish Castle to Palácio da Pena
A brief transfer/walk through the park to reach the colourful Palácio Nacional da Pena — the guide will advise the best viewpoints.
Tips from local experts:
- The Pena access paths are scenic but can be steep—take it slow and pause for photos at the viewpoints.
- If you'd like interior access to the palace, ask your guide to pre-book timed-entry tickets to avoid lines.
- Use this short walk to enjoy a private moment at the viewpoints — many couples pause here for a quick toast.
Visit Palácio Nacional da Pena (Pena Palace) & gardens
Tour the colourful romantic palace and wander parts of the surrounding park — one of Sintra’s most iconic fairytale settings.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive at the terraces for unobstructed photos of the palace’s vivid facades — midday light in May is lovely but watch for crowds.
- The palace interior has stairs and some narrow spaces; there are benches in the grounds for resting between viewpoints.
- Book combined palace + park tickets via your guide to skip the main ticket lines and make the most of your time.
Lunch in Sintra — relaxed meal for two
Enjoy a relaxed, romantic lunch featuring regional flavours and fresh Portuguese dishes. Your guide will recommend a table with a quiet atmosphere.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a window or garden table if available — many restaurants offer intimate seating perfect for a couple.
- Try a portion of local seafood or a sharing plate to taste more specialties; Portuguese wine pairings are excellent.
- If you have dietary needs, local restaurants are used to accommodating requests—let the guide inform the kitchen ahead of time.
Drive to Azenhas do Mar (coastal cliff village)
Scenic transfer to the dramatic cliff-side village of Azenhas do Mar — a peaceful coastal contrast to Sintra’s palaces.
Tips from local experts:
- Sit on the seaward side of the vehicle for the best coastal views on the approach.
- Azenhas do Mar can be windy; keep a light windproof layer handy for cliff-top photos.
- Ask the guide for a quiet cliffside photo spot — they know little-used viewpoints away from the main terrace.
Azenhas do Mar — cliffside stroll & romantic moment
Stroll the village and reach the ocean pool area and coastal viewpoints. Enjoy a dedicated romantic moment (photo session / small toast) at a cliff viewpoint arranged by your guide.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan a short private toast or photo moment at the rocky viewpoint above the beach — the guide can bring a small chilled beverage for a celebration.
- Watch your step around the cliff edges and avoid the lower rocks if waves are strong; spring tides can be unpredictable.
- Visit the little terraces for sweeping sea views and, if you like seafood, the local beachside restaurants have fresh catches and intimate tables.
Return transfer to Lisbon — dropoff
Private return to your Lisbon dropoff location. Relax after a full day of romantic discovery — estimated arrival back to Lisbon is early evening.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the return transfer to rest; the guide can suggest a quiet Lisbon spot for dinner reservations if you wish to continue your evening.
- If you would like the driver to stop for sunset photos en route (time permitting), ask when leaving Azenhas do Mar.
- Confirm your preferred dropoff address with the guide early in the day so timing is smooth on return.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 6 |
| Restaurants | 2 |
| Total Activities | 6 |
| Total Places | 6 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Neighborhood, Meal, Attraction |
